Message from the Headteacher

Dear all, 

I have spoken to you in the past about my growing concern about how much time children are spending on screens and the content of what they are watching. 

As teachers, we are really noticing behaviours that we think have a direct link with screen time. We are worried about the number of children that talk about going on YouTube and apps that have an age rating of 12+. It really worries me that children have free rein on websites and apps that are not suitable for 2-7 year olds. It also worries me that children are not getting the right balance of play and screen time and, more importantly, downtime.

When parents ask us for support regarding behaviour and when we notice behaviour at school, please be prepared to answer questions about how much screen time and how appropriate the apps and sites that are visited are. We strongly believe that these factors contribute to some but not all of children's social and emotional development, including the ability to stay focussed and self-regulate. 

Here are some resources to support and inform you. Please do reach out if you have any supporting information or have any questions. I would really appreciate your support.

https://www.bbc.co.uk/bitesize/articles/zbpw7nb

Balancing screentime

https://www.channel4.com/programmes/swiped-the-school-that-banned-smartphones

https://www.unicef.org/parenting/child-development/babies-screen-time

https://www.specsavers.co.uk/eye-health/screen-time-for-kids?srsltid=AfmBOorT5sq8hhB1TfBolnrdKfuYapugz5swA_n-cJyQ3bmGNHbcYApY

https://healthforunder5s.co.uk/sections/foryou/managing-your-familys-screentime/

https://youtu.be/J03FF9K9Bf0

Well done to Woodpeckers for 100% attendance this week!

Have a peaceful weekend, 

Kerry Devane